By Karla Radka
President & CEO of Senior Resource Alliance
75% of seniors in the U.S. want to age in the comfort of their own homes, but maintaining
that independence isn’t easy.
The cost of living has skyrocketed about 25% in the last six years, and research from the
University of Michigan Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation found that more than
half of older adults have not taken steps to continue living in their homes – such as
installing a walk-in shower or moving their bedroom to the first floor.
Even for those who prepare for the years ahead, unexpected life events can disrupt their
carefully crafted plans. Hospitalization takes a major emotional, physical and financial toll
on those 65 and older and often makes it harder for them to return to life as they know it;
studies show it can lead to increased mobility challenges and anxiety levels. The impact
can grow with readmissions, which are common. Around 20% of seniors return to the
hospital within a month even if their first visit to the emergency room wasn’t for a life-
threatening problem.
This National Senior Independence Month, it’s imperative that older adults understand the
risks of hospitalization and how to minimize the potentially life-altering effects.
Emergencies are unpredictable but how you respond to them doesn’t have to be.
Communicate with your friends and family about who can serve as a temporary caregiver if
you’re ever recovering from a hospital stay. By deciding who can complete necessary tasks
– like buying groceries or prescriptions – you can focus on getting better.
Continue this proactive approach by reducing obstacles in your home. Secure any rugs,
add grab bars to your bathroom and organize your cabinets so that items you regularly use
are on lower shelves. With the CDC estimating that about 3 million seniors land in the
emergency room every year due to falls, these simple changes can help keep you safe
during what can be a vulnerable time.
Once you’re back home, make exercise a priority. Dedicate time every day for physical
activity that’s appropriate for your recovery – whether it’s tai chi, shoulder rolls or walking in
place – and gradually build up your routine. By making a promise to yourself to stay active,
you’re building a stronger and brighter future; research indicates that exercise can reduce
your chances of developing mobility issues post discharge.
Senior Resource Alliance – which operates in Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Brevard
counties – is doing its part to help older adults stay independent by preventing unnecessary
readmissions through a partnership with AdventHealth in Central Florida. We connect
people who have chronic health disease and have left the hospital to a network ofresources, including food delivery, transportations services, medication reminders, and
light housekeeping assistance. 94% of participants did not have to return to the hospital
during the 30-day intervention period.
The success of this program underscores the need to develop a plan that’s both
personalized and actionable. Identify a support system that you can rely on, understand
how to address your needs and take charge of your senior years.
If this seems daunting, assistance is only a phone call away. Dial Senior Resource
Alliance’s Elder Helpline at 407-514-1800 to get connected to multiple programs – like
caregiving services, evidence-based fall prevention courses, chronic disease management
workshops and tai chi classes – all at no cost.
Let us join your journey to independence.
Karla Radka is the President & CEO of Senior Resource Alliance, the local resource for
accessing the many services and programs of the state and federal government, available
to senior citizens, their caregivers and family members. SRA also is an objective
clearinghouse for information and services offered by local, state, and national
organizations. The nonprofit has been serving the community since 1
